urbanSTL

I agree with The Central Scrutinizer, I really dislike Whole Foods. Its too expensive and they don't have anything that I want to eat. Whenever I go there to get meat I have to stop at a "real" grocer to finish my shopping. I know a lot of people really love it though.



However, that was the most consistent thing that The Meridian partners said they were going to try to do was to get a Whole Foods in there. Since they are now not mentioning it, I agree that there is probably no chance of it happening.

212 wrote:What's wrong w/ Whole Foods? They're awesome

I just don't like all the stupidity surrounding the whole "organic" foods thing. I had to deal with it when I was spending time in Portland, and it is so annoying. Luckily, we don't have so much of it here.

Hey everyone



Im relocating soon to St. louis and considering a unit at the Meridian. From what Ive seen, I really like it so far and the lofts look just gorgeous (have seen what I believe are a few updated photos from the developer).



So my question is, is everyone here purchasing? Different information sources have led me to believe leasing is also an option, but the official Meridian site says purchase only.



Also, if you feel comfortable, a more personal question. Those of you who have already secured units, what type of age range would you classify yourself in?



Thanks in advance, Sunny

My boyfriend and I have purchased a unit in the Meridian. They're only available for sale, not rent at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised if some people are purchasing a loft with plans to rent it out.



We're 30 and 31. There are so many beautiful buildings to choose from in St. Louis right now. Keep in mind that the amenities vary greatly between buildings. Meridian won't be offering things that other buildings are, such as a fitness room, pool, etc. Personally, I don't know how much I would use those amenities and don't want to have to pay for them if I don't.



Good luck with your search!

I purchased a unit as well and am 30. A good friend purchased across the hall from me and she is also 30. I decided on The Meridian for a number of reasons but relative to the other loft developments, I was able to get more for my money. The price per square foot was reasonable with standard features (granite countertops, etc.)that saved me in upgrades. Also the upgrade pricing was not the typical gauging well above the actual cost of the products so I was able to customize and upgrade my loft with a very small amount of money relative to other developments. (Stainless steel appliances were $850 for everything verses the $3000 I was told elsewhere) I also was pleased that there would be no wasted space and money on fitness rooms, pools, etc. For me, they are a waste. My apartment complex has both now and in the 7 years I have lived there, I have never used either.

sunnyday wrote:So my question is, is everyone here purchasing? Different information sources have led me to believe leasing is also an option, but the official Meridian site says purchase only.

Purchasing.

sunnyday wrote:
Also, if you feel comfortable, a more personal question. Those of you who have already secured units, what type of age range would you classify yourself in?

I am in the 46 - 46 age range.

sunnyday wrote:Hey everyone



Im relocating soon to St. louis and considering a unit at the Meridian. From what Ive seen, I really like it so far and the lofts look just gorgeous (have seen what I believe are a few updated photos from the developer).



So my question is, is everyone here purchasing? Different information sources have led me to believe leasing is also an option, but the official Meridian site says purchase only.



Also, if you feel comfortable, a more personal question. Those of you who have already secured units, what type of age range would you classify yourself in?



Thanks in advance, Sunny

I'm probably one of the youngest purchasers in the building, 24. I'm actually thinking about changing my unit, but i'm currently in one of the interior (light court) units. As stated before, the upgrades are priced in favor of the buyer. Definitely cheaper than other buildings in the area. But there are plenty of places to choose from depending on when you want to make your move. Good luck on your search.

I am 27 and I purchased in the bldg because I liked the location, 'bang for my buck' as previously mentioned wrt upgrades and standard features, entry from the street and via underground parking, etc. I toured most every loft in downtown STL that was bulit and/or under construction to be completed in 2006 before deciding on this development. As with most home purchases, you'll want to make sure you do your homework to try and determine what feels right and makes the most sense for you.



My most recent visit to the Meridian yielded several other to be residents and the range was a good mix between 20's - 50's.



Good luck and happy house hunting!

Someone mentioned that some developers had arranged for good financing options for their buyers. Does anyone know if The Meridian has anything like that? I have seen flyers for financing in the showroom, but didn't know if it was something special.

Downtown Newbie wrote:Someone mentioned that some developers had arranged for good financing options for their buyers. Does anyone know if The Meridian has anything like that? I have seen flyers for financing in the showroom, but didn't know if it was something special.

I got my pre-approval from Gorman & Gorman, but of course I am free to get the actual loan from anyone. But they seem like nice folks.

I've always thought of Whole Foods as a high-priced, natural-foods supermarket. I don't see how they'd fit a Whole Foods in that space. It seems from others that Straub's is playing games with the City for subsidies (taxes or otherwise.) So I say to heck with Straub's and lure Trader Joe's in. They're growing, popular and a boutique-sized grocer that could make great use of the space. Seems like a great fit.



Starbucks would be ok but there's already coffee places around. The Post and the Gelateria have nice coffee among others...



Dave

shelbyelyse wrote:I agree with The Central Scrutinizer, I really dislike Whole Foods. Its too expensive and they don't have anything that I want to eat. Whenever I go there to get meat I have to stop at a "real" grocer to finish my shopping. I know a lot of people really love it though.



However, that was the most consistent thing that The Meridian partners said they were going to try to do was to get a Whole Foods in there. Since they are now not mentioning it, I agree that there is probably no chance of it happening.

Hey guys, my unit has the red brick inside on one wall (main wall in the living area). My unit's fairly far along, but last I checked, the bricks still were pretty bad looking (still covered in thin layer of white paint). Rumor has it that the developers/contractors can't sandblast the walls, because it technically would constitute "removal" of portions of the wall, which is apparently prohibited in order for the building to stay eligible for historic tax credits. (Incidentally, this also might explain why the Lucas Lofts building still looks dirty on the outside despite the owner's apparently "being down with" cleaning the exterior). I'm going to hold off and see if they (Paric/Meridian) get these cleaned reasonably well, but I'm thinking I might have to do this on my own.

Anybody who's going to have the red brick have any thoughts on these issues?

Harvey_Birdman wrote:Hey guys, my unit has the red brick inside on one wall (main wall in the living area). My unit's fairly far along, but last I checked, the bricks still were pretty bad looking (still covered in thin layer of white paint). Rumor has it that the developers/contractors can't sandblast the walls, because it technically would constitute "removal" of portions of the wall, which is apparently prohibited in order for the building to stay eligible for historic tax credits. (Incidentally, this also might explain why the Lucas Lofts building still looks dirty on the outside despite the owner's apparently "being down with" cleaning the exterior). I'm going to hold off and see if they (Paric/Meridian) get these cleaned reasonably well, but I'm thinking I might have to do this on my own.

Anybody who's going to have the red brick have any thoughts on these issues?

I was told a similiar thing by some contractors I know. They said the city was not letting them sandblast in the Meridian.

buckethead wrote:

Harvey_Birdman wrote:Hey guys, my unit has the red brick inside on one wall (main wall in the living area). My unit's fairly far along, but last I checked, the bricks still were pretty bad looking (still covered in thin layer of white paint). Rumor has it that the developers/contractors can't sandblast the walls, because it technically would constitute "removal" of portions of the wall, which is apparently prohibited in order for the building to stay eligible for historic tax credits. (Incidentally, this also might explain why the Lucas Lofts building still looks dirty on the outside despite the owner's apparently "being down with" cleaning the exterior). I'm going to hold off and see if they (Paric/Meridian) get these cleaned reasonably well, but I'm thinking I might have to do this on my own.

Anybody who's going to have the red brick have any thoughts on these issues?

I was told a similiar thing by some contractors I know. They said the city was not letting them sandblast in the Meridian.

How idiotic is that?

Any thoughts on what WE can do? I'm not happy with a wall covered in paint. but I'd like to get this taken care of before I move in and, hopefully, before floors are put down, etc. if some sort of cleaning process will cause a mess.

You know, it's AMAZING to me how many times Paric can tell people "no" regarding certain requests. It seems pretty weird to me to move into a brand new residence and have something be specifically how you do NOT want it, as long as your requests are fairly reasonable, and you're willing to pay.



So far, the developers have been really nice and have really done a good job of taking care of everything (although it take them a while), but I'm not moving into a brand new residence if the first thing I'm going to have to do is a major cleaning project on the most conspicuous wall in my residence.

I'm just guessing but I think it has more to do with the mess and problems a huge sandblasting job like this would cause than historic tax credits.



I've come across painted interior brick wall that no solvent would clean so if they aren't going to be able to sandblast I don't know what to suggest to help you. I would try to get a hold of someone there that can first answer why they can't do it.

I was told by a developer it was because of the historic tax credits.

I tend to trust the source, but it DOES make a great excuse for the developers to NOT do something that most owners would otherwise demand. I'm going to research this myself. I'll report back for all those interested.

Just guessing here, but the problem is probably that brick is a fairly porous surface, and any paint applied to it will soak in to some extent. So unless you actually remove part of the brick (sandblasting), there may not be a good way to remove the paint. You could probably get a fair amount, but not all of it.

It's my understanding that Bakers is having problems with interior brick as well, although I doubt it has anything to do with historic tax credits. I believe its something the developers didn't include as a line item in the restoration, and they're refusing to put in the extra cash to make it right.

loftlover wrote:It's my understanding that Bakers is having problems with interior brick as well, although I doubt it has anything to do with historic tax credits. I believe its something the developers didn't include as a line item in the restoration, and they're refusing to put in the extra cash to make it right.

Just FYI, they sandblasted all interior brick at Printer's and they got the tax credits there. But things may have changed since then as I have heard that Printer's was one of the last developments that were allowed to put screens in their windows. I don't think screens are allowed anymore. So the rules may be different now for sandblasting.



But I'm with you all as I had a section of a brick wall that some how missed out on the sandblasting and it looked like crap. I was able to fix it with a very tideous and time consuming paint job. Luckily it was fairly easy, did not make a mess and was not a huge part of my wall.

I am on the second floor. I am 31 years old. They told me I would be closing on June 18.

I'll get a copy of the actual piece of legislation and post what I find.

Again, I don't think it has to do with the tax credits but I do think the city has told them they will not be able to sandblast for other reasons. If I get a chance I'll ask some of the contractors I know for some more info.

At this point, I'll still sit back and see how the Meridian handles it, because actually SANDBLASTING might not be necessary, but it'll be interesting to determine what factors (other than the economic bottom-line) might be influencing the decisions the developers are making. Either way, I'm not accepting the "do it yourself" plan one of the developers suggested. That's as ridiculous as suggesting that I "do it myself" as far as painting walls, replacing the windows, etc.

Give me a break.